The following practices are recommended for any project management system:
- Create a structure of project folders and files so every member of the team can readily find the data files they need, and save all drawings in the right place.
- Apply meaningful, specific names to all files and objects that are shared within a project environment. Default names such as “Alignment – (1)” can be especially confusing, because they can appear in multiple drawings, and have no reference to a real-world object.
- Establish written procedures for team members who will regularly access project files. This is particularly important if you are not using Autodesk Vault. Procedures can include the use of templates, naming conventions for files and folders, and notices when drawings are being modified. Encourage team members to communicate anything that might affect others.
- For basic design objects such as surfaces and alignments, consider saving one object per drawing for maximum flexibility. This drawing structure enables one team member to open a drawing for edit while other members can operate with read-only copies. However, there are exceptions to this structure. On a small project, you may decide to store several objects in the same drawing if they will always be edited by the same person. For example, it often makes sense to keep a set of related alignments in a single drawing.